Gambhir is best bet, says Shastri

As the Champions Trophy is approaching, the Board Of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is busy in finalizing the team members for Indian squad. As the IPL is going on, the selectors would definitely look into the performance of players in these matches too as it will show the present form of the player.
At this point of time, the remarks from the team director Ravi Shastri who is also former Indian skipper has to be taken seriously. Mr Shastri has been successful in managing the team very well since his induction and he is quite serious when he gives any remarks in public.

As the team is looking for an alternative for KL Rahul who is suffering from shoulder injury, Shastri has opined that the Kolkata Knight Riders skipper, Delhi boy, Gautam Gambhir is a better option to partner with Rohit Sharma. Shikhar Dhawan is also in the race for the same position, Shastri seems to have backed Gambhir vis-à-vis Dhawan.

Shastri in his Times of India column wrote, “Gambhir has so far been the most consistent Indian opener in this IPL. His batting is still smooth and layered and whenever his bat makes a contact with the ball, there is a run. It’s another matter he could’ve just played as captain and still be worth his weight in gold. Indeed, he has been superb as a leader of his men.”

“As a batsman, Gambhir has been unstoppable. Nobody has hit more boundaries or 50s. His cuts still thread past the pointcover region; his dabs still have third man diving desperately and raking up a laundry bill.That he hardly hits a six tells us about the options he still has at the crease. It’s been a task for bowlers to keep him pinned to one end,” he added.

Shastri has also praised Gambhir’s captaincy. Rohit is presently coming at number four for Mumbai Indians (MI) and Dhawan is not in full form in IPL matches, Gambhir seems to be the best bet.

Though these may be Shastri’s personal opinions, considering his experience in the field and as a successful team director, BCCI selectors may consider this suggestions seriously for a good show in the tournament.